Pamela Ann Bates of Taft, Tennessee passed from this life on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at her residence at the age of 69.

Born on May 8, 1956, in Fayetteville, Tennessee, she is the daughter of the late Huey and Millie Mae Wilkerson Yell. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Bates, whom she shared 49 years with. She is also preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Beatrice Painter Bates.

Pamela and her husband were the proud owners of Bates Disposal for 27 years. She loved farming, canning and gardening. Most importantly she loved her family and spending time with them.

Per her wishes she will be cremated and no services are planned at this time.

Her survivors include her daughter, Angela (Ralph) Linnell; grandchildren, Dakota (Sarah) Linnell, Dezaray (Michael) Kelton; and great-grandchildren, Jazmine Linnell, Kordell Linnell, nephews, Greg (Kandy) Dunn, Chad (Jeanna) Gray and Jason (Kim) Gray.

Lynchburg Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Pamela Bates.